In the last days of office, President Joe Biden is taking steps to address the growing energy demands of advanced AI data centres.
On Tuesday, he signed an executive order aimed at providing federal support to fast-track the development of infrastructure needed to power these AI DC facilities, the White House has announced.
The order sets out a plan to lease federal land managed by the Defence and Energy departments for gigawatt-scale AI data centres and clean power projects. The goal is to meet the immense energy requirements of these facilities in a shorter timeframe.
“The order will speed up how we build the next generation of AI infrastructure right here in America,” Biden said. He added that the initiative is designed to boost economic competitiveness, strengthen national security, promote clean energy, and ensure AI safety.
One notable aspect of the order is its emphasis on American-made technology. Companies that use federal sites for AI data centres will be ordered to purchase a fair amount of US-made semiconductors. The specifics will be worked out for each project and is in line with the Biden administration’s overall aim to invest over $30 billion in domestic chip production.
The administration is also working to streamline processes for building AI infrastructure. Federal agencies have been directed to expedite the granting of permits, improve connections to the electric grid, and advance transmission development around federal sites. The measures are intended to avoid delays that could hinder the rapid deployment of essential infrastructure.
Tarun Chhabra, White House technology adviser, emphasised the urgency of the endeavour. “It’s absolutely essential to make sure the AI industry can build the infrastructure it needs for training and deploying powerful AI models right here in the US,” he told reporters.
Chhabra noted that the demand for computing power and electricity is soaring, especially as AI developers work on advanced “frontier models,” the most powerful and resource-intensive AI systems available. He estimated that by 2028, some AI data centres could require as much as five gigawatts of capacity – enough energy to power millions of homes.
The executive order also seeks to align AI development with environmental goals. Companies developing projects are urged to use sustainable energy and have minimal impact on electricity prices. The requirement reflects growing concerns about the environmental impact of AI data centres, which consume enormous amounts of energy, plus water for cooling.
In a related move, the Commerce Department has tightened restrictions on AI chip and technology exports. The goal is to keep advanced computing capabilities in the US and allied nations while limiting access for competing countries. This complements the executive order’s focus on safeguarding national security by keeping cutting-edge AI models secure and based on US soil.
Biden also gave a bigger picture of AI with regards to national security. Chhabra pointed out that AI systems being developed today already have capabilities that might be used for malicious purposes, like weapon development or cyberattacks. By securing domestic data centres, the US reduces the likelihood of adversaries gaining access to these powerful systems.
The tech industry has reacted positively to the order. Major corporations like Microsoft, BlackRock, and SoftBank have announced significant investments in US-based AI infrastructure, aligning with the administration’s ambition for domestic technological leadership.
By addressing energy demands, environmental considerations, and national security risks, Biden’s executive order lays the groundwork for a robust, secure, and sustainable AI infrastructure. It reflects the administration’s commitment to ensuring that the US remains a global leader in AI development and deployment.
(Photo by Unsplash)
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